Feather Tree Christmas Trees - How They Are Made

eather Tree Christmas trees made by The Feather Tree Co. ® are "handmade" reproductions using real goose feathers.  The trees come in a variety of colors, although the most popular are "dark green" and "ivory."  Please be sure to specify your color preference when placing an order.  Feather tree colors and sizes may vary slightly because of the handmade quality.

he distinction between our "Deluxe" and "Classic" feather trees has to do with the number of branches, the amount of sprouts on the trees, and the style of the base.  

he "Deluxe" trees have sprouts while the "Classic" trees (with the exception of the 6 and 7 foot trees) do not.  The bases on the "Classic" trees are wooden block bases.  The "Deluxe" bases are either lathe-turned or wooden boxes.  Be sure to visit our "Product Comparison" pages by Feather Tree type or size for more information.

ur goose feathers are treated with a flame retardant.  Even so, we request that lighted candles are never used on any artificial Christmas tree or feather tree.

he bases of our trees are all made from hardwoods by skilled furniture makers.   They provide great stability as well as long term durability.  We paint the bases to give them an "old world Christmas" appeal.  The total height of the tree does include the height of the base.

ach tree comes with a card detailing the history of the feather tree.  It also explains the best way to care for the tree to ensure that it will become a treasured family heirloom.

Christmas Tree History - The Feather Tree Story

hristmas Trees made from artificial materials were first produced over 100 years ago!  At the latter part of the 19th century, decorated trees were becoming ever more popular for the holiday celebration.  However, there was a growing concern that the forestland was being depleted of trees, especially during the holiday season.  With the advent of the "Goosefeather" tree, some of the problems concerning deforestation were solved.

eather Trees were the first artificial trees.   Made in Germany to resemble the "white pines" of the German forestland, they had wider spaces between their branches than what we normally expect of today's Christmas Trees.  Yet, because of the space, they were and still are great for showing off ornaments!

he earliest Feather Trees in America were brought by German immigrants.   Germans loved the celebration of Christmas so much that they "couldn't be without a Christmas Tree."  Many of the trees from Germany were tabletop trees so they were easily transported to America along with their holiday traditions.

oosefeathers were the feathers of choice for feather trees as they are today.   The feathers were wrapped around stiff wire to become the branches of the trees.   These branches were then attached to a wooden rod, the truck of the tree.  The trunk was then inserted into a stable base for support.  Red berries or candle holders were placed at the ends of the branches.  Even in the early days, Feather Trees could be found up to six feet tall.

ome of the early Feather Trees can still be found today.  Collectors decorate them with antique Christmas ornaments made from wax, paper scraps, tinsel, and glass.   Many, however, have deteriorated, having been stored away in hot attics or damp basements.  Others have simply been trashed by people who did not recognize their heritage or value.  Besides, early Feather Trees hardly had the appearance of what we have come to expect of our Christmas Trees!

oday, Dianna Carlson is renewing the art form of the Goosefeather Tree.   She is producing the highest quality reproductions available.  Her hope is that her Feather Trees will become an important part of your Christmas Heritage.